The Nosy Fasy MPA reopened on the 6th June, delayed a week on account of the tides. The reopening attracted between 700 and 1000 people to Nosy Fasy and at 9am it was estimated that over 130 pirogues were at the island. BV staff arrived on Nosy Fasy early in the morning to observe the day's progress. BV also transported M. Coco (Vice president of Befandefa), several Nahudas (who performed the Fumba on Nosy Fasy), Valerie and Lee (WCS reporter and cameraman), Francisco (WCS) and several single women from the village to the island.

Along with Fila, the Nosy Fasy guardian, the team observed the armada of pirogues descending on Nosy Fasy from 7:30am onwards.  Fishermen of a range of ages and abilities came to the event. Many pirogues carried entire families containing 3-4 generations, with some pirogues containing up to 14 people. There were also smaller groups of older men in single 2m pirogues and younger men diving with masks.

A Fomba was carried out by Nahoda Noel just after 9am and red rum was offered to the ancestors so that they would not be surprised to see so many people  on the reef. Alex Norbert, a Nahoda with the Cooperative, spoke after the Fomba and let everyone know about the role of Copefrito, WCS and BV in setting up the reserve.

The team observed the events and accompanied men and women on the reef flats fishing. BV staff also took photos of the fishing and of the octopus caught, which ranged from individuals of a few hundred grams to 5.5 kg. The atmosphere during the fishing was congenial and there was no evidence of fighting.

Although there is no confirmation of the catch data for the date, preliminary results indicate that the Cooperative collected about 670 kg of octopus.  In addition Copefrito collected 118kg and Murex collected 70kg. It is estimated that the fishermen caught over 1 tonne of octopus in total on the first day of fishing. It was also reported that Nosy Hao collected 100 kg and a similar amount is estimated for
Ampasilava.

Daniel Rabinery, Blue Ventures Fisheries scientist, reported that from the general feeling in the village people were happy with the day’s progression. Two men arrived with 12 octopus weighing up to 4kg that had been caught on the western reef slope of Nosy Fasy with mask and spears.

Keep visiting this website for more more information about the reopening, and other recent developments with the Andavadoaka project.